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WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
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Tuesday, August 4
 

8:00am PDT

Breakfast
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA

9:00am PDT

AI That Thinks With Students, Not For Them
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
“AI That Thinks With Students, Not For Them” explores how educators can move beyond simple prompting and begin using AI as a true thinking partner in the learning process. This session focuses on building student voice, ownership, reflection, and deeper engagement through conversational AI practices that support learning rather than replace it. Participants will see real classroom examples from photography, business, and CTE programs where AI helps students brainstorm ideas, refine projects, personalize learning, overcome creative blocks, and document growth. The session introduces practical frameworks and prompting strategies that encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration between students and AI tools. Attendees will experience live demonstrations showing how AI conversations can adapt to student interests, learning needs, and creative goals while reducing teacher workload. Educators will leave with ready-to-use strategies, classroom workflows, and prompt structures that help students think more deeply, create more authentically, and take greater ownership of their learning.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room #12 Second Floor Davenport Grand

9:00am PDT

DECA Update
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Join Washington DECA for a briefing on the upcoming school year. We will cover essential calendar dates, state-specific initiatives, and the latest competitive event updates to ensure your chapter is ready for success. This session is designed to provide you with a clear roadmap and the resources you need to support your student leaders effectively from day one.
Speakers
avatar for Marian Morris

Marian Morris

Advisor and Chapter Support, Washington DECA
I spent 16 years as a DECA Advisor and Mock Trial coach before moving to a full-time role at Washington DECA. Now, I assist and offer resources to DECA Advisors throughout Washington state. I have four adult daughters, 2 German Shepherds, and I recently became a grandparent. Life... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Terrace West Second Floor Davenport Grand

9:00am PDT

Equity at Sea: Expanding Access to Maritime Career and Technical Education Through Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
This session highlights a proven, strategic model for expanding access to high-quality Maritime Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences for underrepresented youth. Through the “Equity at Sea” program at Sound Experience, students engage in immersive, hands-on maritime learning that integrates STEM, environmental science, and workforce development aboard the historic schooner Adventuress.Participants will explore how strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, workforce agencies, and schools can reduce barriers to participation and create meaningful pathways into maritime and environmental careers. This session will provide practical strategies for designing inclusive Maritime CTE programs, building sustainable partnerships, and aligning experiential learning with High School and Beyond Plans.Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to replicate similar access-driven, maritime career-connected learning opportunities.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

9:00am PDT

Equity in Arts Education: Data-Driven Insights
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
The intersection of CTE and Arts Education looked very different in 2009 when Washington last collected statewide data on arts education access.In 2019, OSPI, ArtsEd Washington, Inspire Washington, ArtsWA, and The Creative Advantage identified the need for a statewide focus on arts education and equity, and informally began building the Arts4All coalition. In 2025, Arts4All distributed a long-overdue “State of the Arts” survey which was completed by nearly 300 Washington State principals. This session will explore trends, strengths, and gaps according to statewide data sets, including the 2025 “State of the Arts” survey. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss potential next steps, and explore arts-focused resources with leaders at the helm of arts education advocacy--ArtsEd Washington, Inspire Washington, and the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA). Together, we will find "Hope, Optimism and Tenacity" in the recent data surrounding CTE and Arts Education!
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4

9:00am PDT

Free Financial Education Guest Speakers for your Classroom
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
In this session, you’ll hear about free financial education guest speakers for your classroom, brought to you by the nonprofit CENTS.  CENTS has partnered with a working group of educators to develop new financial education curricula and presentations designed to engage high school students and teach vital learning objectives. The curricula will be aligned with the new Washington standards and will be classroom tested and peer reviewed.  We are committed to financial empowerment at all life stages. CENTS has newly designed presentations for freshmen and sophomores, in addition to existing presentations aimed at juniors and seniors. Whether your students are freshmen or seniors (or in between), planning for college, trade school, or entering the workforce, CENTS has tailored presentations to meet their needs. These interactive sessions make financial literacy relatable and engaging—giving students the tools to make informed decisions about money, debt, and their future.  If you have a financial literacy need for your classroom, CENTS can partner with you to reach your students with expert guest speakers, fresh perspectives, and classroom-ready materials. In addition, we’re flexible and can provide multi-day presentations to maximize impact. This is an excellent way for your student’s to hear a different voice to reinforce what you are teaching them.  In this presentation, you will learn about CENTS’ “menu” of choices to help you learn what works for your students and you.   CENTS was formed in 1995 to help people improve their financial health.  CENTS provides various financial education classes to various audiences including high school students, senior citizens, working adults, cancer patients, people who have experienced incarceration, among others.  All of CENTS’ programs are provided free-of-charge to participants, due to CENTS’ funding and support. CENTS partnered with the Washington State Attorney General’s (“AG”) Office to create Senior Money, a program to help senior citizens identify and avoid scams.  CENTS also partnered with the United States Pretrial and Probation Services to create a financial education reentry program.   CENTS’ curriculum was used as the centerpiece of Student Loan Awareness Month (“SLAM”), which was informally convened by the AG’s office and endorsed by a proclamation by then Governor Jay Inslee.  CENTS’ curricula is used at high schools throughout Washington and reaches thousands of students each year.  For more information about CENTS, please see www.centsprogram.org or email [email protected].
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room #11 Second Floor Davenport Grand

9:00am PDT

Fueling the People Who Fuel the School
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Teaching is a marathon, yet we often try to run it on empty stomachs and cold coffee. This workshop is a judgment-free "Honesty Hour" designed for the reality of the classroom—where lunch is often eaten standing up and "self-care" feels out of reach.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Maple Ballroom

9:00am PDT

Project Management with Scrum
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Scrum is a subset of Agile and a powerful way to help students gain fundamental skills in managing projects - and it's useful for departmental teams too! Come check out the basics here!
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 5

9:00am PDT

Relationships Are the Real Resume
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
This topic focuses on how relationship-building skills—communication, teamwork, networking, and empathy—are essential in both business/marketing careers and student success in school. The presentation could highlight how CTE classrooms intentionally develop these skills through projects, collaboration, and real-world experiences.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 3

9:00am PDT

Skate4Concrete Certification an Example of Implementation
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
This presentation will review the Skate4Concrete Certification and share an example(s) of how it was implemented in the classroom within Washington Schools.  Teachers will share their experience and provide insight on how best to utilize the program within the classroom.  We will also cover the Statewide MiniConcrete Skatepark Competition for the 2026/27 School Year to be hosted by the Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association (WACA).
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Maple Ballroom

9:00am PDT

STEM Camp/STEM Night Activities
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
A powerful way to boost program recruitment and club involvement is by hosting STEM events and camps for middle and elementary students. This interactive session is designed as a “get one, share one” experience. I will share 10+ engaging, ready-to-use STEM activities for CS, IT, Cyber Security, and Robotics. Participants will be encouraged to contribute their own ideas. Expect a hands-on session—bring a computer, your creativity, and any STEM tools or activities you’re willing to share. Leave with practical ideas you can implement right away.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Smith

Adam Smith

Computer Science Teacher, Central Valley School District
Adam Smith been teaching at Spokane Valley Tech in Spokane Valley, WA since 2024 and previously taught at Cheney High School for 26 years. He currently teaches Microsoft Office, Cyber Security, AP CS P, AP CS A, Computer Repair, and Cisco Network Engineering. He is a FBLA Advisor... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

9:00am PDT

Generational Care - Preparing Health Science Students to Work with All Populations
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
In this session, we'll discuss the topics, lessons, and projects the EPS Healthcare Academy uses to prepare students to work with all populations. We'll discuss how we teach patient-first care, how we introduce students to other generations and cultures, and how we cultivate empathy. In addition, we'll look at the culminating projects that our students leave the class with that they can use directly in any healthcare setting they begin work in.You'll come away from this session with practical ideas and lessons ready to implement in your health science classroom.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

9:00am PDT

Beyond Points: Implementing Competency-Based Grading and Employability Skills Across Career Pathways
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
How do we ensure grades in Career and Technical Education truly reflect skill mastery, workplace readiness, and student growth? This session highlights how Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center and New Market Skills Center are transitioning from traditional grading to competency-based grading (CBG) systems designed to improve clarity, consistency, and equity across programs. Partnering with SREB, both centers defined shared employability skills, performance levels, and descriptors applicable across pathways while preserving flexibility for program-specific competencies. Through teacher leadership teams and full-staff collaboration, each center developed its own employability rubric, building shared ownership, stronger expectations, and alignment with industry standards. Participants will engage in an interactive learning experience that includes analyzing sample rubrics, participating in calibration conversations, and applying guiding questions to their own schools or districts. Attendees will leave with practical tools, implementation strategies, and a professional learning framework to support the transition to competency-based grading in their own CTE programs.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Birch Ballroom

10:00am PDT

AP Business & Personal Finance Integration Strategies for Your Chapter/Classroom
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Is your program ready for the new AP Business course? Join us for a briefing on the essential takeaways from the national Summer Institute. This session focuses on practical curriculum integration, providing teachers with the tools to align their course load with the new standards while maximizing student recruitment and success in this groundbreaking co-curricular partnership.
Speakers
avatar for Marian Morris

Marian Morris

Advisor and Chapter Support, Washington DECA
I spent 16 years as a DECA Advisor and Mock Trial coach before moving to a full-time role at Washington DECA. Now, I assist and offer resources to DECA Advisors throughout Washington state. I have four adult daughters, 2 German Shepherds, and I recently became a grandparent. Life... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Terrace West Second Floor Davenport Grand

10:00am PDT

Building Opportunity: CTE Meets College in the High School in Workforce Training
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Join us for a discussion on how to use CTE and College in the High School (CHS) to prepare students for IRC’s, short certificates and college degrees. We will compare the CTE and CHS models, and how the two can prepare students to enter the workforce while earning dual credit towards high school and college completion.
Speakers
JB

Jason Boatwright

Clover Park Technical College
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 3

10:00am PDT

Chatting with Stacy: Build Your Own AI Assistant for Planning, Communication, and Classroom Workflow
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Learn how to build your own AI assistant to support daily teaching tasks. In this hands-on session, participants will create a working assistant that helps with lesson planning, drafting emails, and generating student feedback. Walk away with ready-to-use prompts, clear workflows, and a practical tool you can use immediately to save time and improve communication in your classroom.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room #12 Second Floor Davenport Grand

10:00am PDT

FBLA 2027 Kick Start
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
This session is for people exploring starting FBLA to veteran FBLA advisors. I will cover important dates, updates, and timelines for setting up a great 2026-27 FBLA year. I will also incorporate an Officer Training guideline that I use with my chapter officers as well as an event/activities schedule to help advisers make FBLA about more than competing, but a true leadership experience. Come to get some ideas as well as hopefully share ideas that will grow our FBLA team.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Smith

Adam Smith

Computer Science Teacher, Central Valley School District
Adam Smith been teaching at Spokane Valley Tech in Spokane Valley, WA since 2024 and previously taught at Cheney High School for 26 years. He currently teaches Microsoft Office, Cyber Security, AP CS P, AP CS A, Computer Repair, and Cisco Network Engineering. He is a FBLA Advisor... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

10:00am PDT

Free Financial Education Project with Mentorship At Your School
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Come learn about an exciting, new opportunity for your high school students.   In the 2026-2027 school year, the nonprofit CENTS is expanding a new initiative: a financial education project competition.  Students will receive mentorship to select a project.  Mentor support will continue through project completion.  This is an excellent resume building opportunity that will result in lifelong knowledge for the student.  Learn more about this project and how to connect your students to this valuable real-world financial education opportunity during the session.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room #11 Second Floor Davenport Grand

10:00am PDT

From Blank Framework to Standards-Aligned Framework: Using AI in CTE
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Learn how to leverage both free and paid AI tools to move from a blank framework to a fully developed, standards-aligned CTE framework with greater speed, consistency, and confidence. This hands-on session shares real prompts, workflows, and strategies for framework writing, pathway alignment, curriculum development, and program planning while maintaining alignment to state standards and workforce needs. These same strategies have also supported grant writing and program expansion efforts. Be sure to bring a device for guided, real-time application.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

10:00am PDT

From Classroom to Crisis: How to Respond When a Student Discloses Substance Use
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
When a student opens up about substance use, educators are often caught off guard—unsure of what to say, how to respond, or where the boundaries lie. This session is designed to reduce that uncertainty and equip educators with practical, confidence-building tools for real-world situations.Participants will learn what to say (and what to avoid) in these critical moments, while gaining clarity on legal and ethical responsibilities within the school setting. The session emphasizes trauma-informed responses that prioritize student trust and safety, helping educators navigate sensitive conversations without unintentionally shutting students down.In addition, attendees will explore effective strategies for connecting students to appropriate support resources in a way that feels supportive rather than punitive. Each participant will leave with a simple, ready-to-use response script they can rely on when these challenging situations arise.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Terrace East Second Floor Davenport Grand

10:00am PDT

Google Forms Tips and Tricks for Efficiency & Engagement.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Design smarter Google Forms that save time and boost participation. This hands-on workshop covers branching questions, short answer response validation (without case sensitivity!), formatting strategies, analyzing response data in Sheets, creating forms automatically with AI, and essential settings that improve workflow, accuracy, and engagement. Leave with practical techniques you can use immediately.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Cedar Ballroom

10:00am PDT

Honoring Every Pathway: How Data Reshaped College and Career Center Programming
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Over the course of five years, Issaquah School District transformed its college and career centers from a reactive, college-focused model into a forward-thinking system built on data and tiered student support. In this session, explore the data sources driving smarter decisions, how programming has evolved to honor all post-secondary pathways, and how High School and Beyond Plans are used to intentionally connect students to events, speakers, and activities aligned with their individual goals.
Speakers
LN

Lisa Neighbours

STEM & CTE TOSA, Issaquah School District
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4

10:00am PDT

Leveraging SchooLinks Potential to Support CTE Programs & Industry Connections
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
SchooLinks is the key to elevating CTE programs. This session shares real-world strategies to utilize the new state-wide HSBP platform to its full potential. Drawing from a pilot district experience, participants will learn how to deepen career research, track work-based learning and volunteer hours, and use the Course Planner to support CTE pathways. The session will also cover managing worksite tours and college and career visits, building financial awareness, and using the Opportunity Board to connect students with job shadows and internships.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Birch Ballroom

10:00am PDT

The Game Plan: How Games Develop Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
What if I told you the key to developing 21st-century skills lies in a board/card game? In this session we will explore, discuss, and discover how using popular games can be used in the curriculum to make learning more fun. These games will allow us to teach and develop skills that will benefit our student’s futures. These games have been used throughout the school year to teach/develop the following life/employability skills, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking skills.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Maple Ballroom

10:00am PDT

Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals Updates
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Join the Washington HOSA Executive Director for a session highlighting the updates our organization is looking forward to this year!
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson

Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson

Executive Director, Washington HOSA
Elizabeth Carnesi-Hudson is proud to serve as the Executive Director for Washington HOSA - Future Health Professionals. She is looking forward to a great year and working with you to make this year the best yet.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

10:00am PDT

Frustrations with communication between Administrators and Instructors. What are they thinking?
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
This workshop is an opporuntiy to work in teams to discuss ways to better communicate with your administrators. You will be given different scenarios that are real examples in schools. This is not an administrator bashing session. The presentation gives you examples that maybe your have not experienced yet, but you probably will. Hopefully you will have some new tools to help you navigate your way through when it does.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 5

11:00am PDT

Cardboard Arcades: Creativity, Engineering, and Engagement
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
In this hands-on session, participants will explore how cardboard arcade projects can spark creativity, collaboration, engineering thinking, and student engagement in STEM and CTE classrooms. Attendees will learn strategies for launching and managing a cardboard arcade design challenge, explore student examples and classroom resources, and participate in a mini cardboard design activity using simple materials and Makedo tools. Participants will leave with adaptable ideas and resources ready for classroom use.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

11:00am PDT

From Light to Image: Build and Use a Digital Pinhole Camera in Your Classroom
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Engage in a hands-on session where you build a working pinhole camera designed for use with a smartphone to capture images. Learn how to guide students through light, exposure, and image creation using simple materials. Participants will leave with a completed camera, a ready-to-use lesson plan, and strategies to implement this project across multiple subject areas.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #12 Second Floor Davenport Grand

11:00am PDT

Keeping It Simple Stupid: K.I.S.S. strategies for success in CTE programs.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
With over 30 years in Career and Technical Education, this presenter brings real-world expertise in program management, classroom leadership, and lab/shop instruction. He has presented at the University of Idaho and Washington State University, and mentored dozens of new teachers. His approach emphasizes being Firm, Fair, and Consistent while maintaining a positive, student-centered environment. Participants will gain practical strategies for managing CTE programs, understanding funding and purchasing processes, coordinating CTSO travel, and working effectively with administrators. Focused on hands-on learning and proactive management, this session supports advocacy, leadership, and program supervision. His goal is simple: to share ideas, strategies, and insights that help educators build structured, supportive, and high-performing learning environments where both students and teachers can succeed.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 5

11:00am PDT

QTIP : Connection without Exhaustion
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
QTIP, "quit taking it personally". Focused on understanding students personalities to help keep yourself present in the classroom with practical suggestions on avoiding burnout.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Maple Ballroom

11:00am PDT

Teaching Presentation Excellence with a Plug and Play Instructional Suite
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Whether a student is heading into a job interview, a boardroom, or a CTSO competition, their ability to present professionally is a critical career-readiness skill. This session breaks down the "how-to" of teaching effective public speaking using high-impact examples and clear benchmarks for student success. We will share a versatile instructional suite designed to be plug-and-play for any communication unit. Come prepared to interact with the materials and leave with a turnkey presentation deck ready to use or personalized for your specific student needs.
Speakers
avatar for Marian Morris

Marian Morris

Advisor and Chapter Support, Washington DECA
I spent 16 years as a DECA Advisor and Mock Trial coach before moving to a full-time role at Washington DECA. Now, I assist and offer resources to DECA Advisors throughout Washington state. I have four adult daughters, 2 German Shepherds, and I recently became a grandparent. Life... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Terrace West Second Floor Davenport Grand

11:00am PDT

The Future of Nursing Assistant Programs in High Schools and High School Partnerships
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
High school Nursing Assistant  training programs in Washington State are evolving to meet geographic and infrastructural challenges through creative high school–hospital partnerships, flexible scheduling, simulation, and in-school certification. By carefully aligning the Washington State Nursing Assistant Curriculum with high school frameworks, securing clinical and community partnerships, and implementing rigorous assessment practices, schools can expand access to NA certification, support local healthcare workforces, and provide students with valuable career pathways. The continued sharing of best practices and outcomes from these programs will be vital to scaling successful models statewide.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 2

11:00am PDT

Upskilling Your Students and MASA Grant
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Future jobs and careers for our CTE students is a concern for every district. Help your students gain essential skills to enter and transition to today’s workforce in careers that are changing and challenging with technological advances. Funding is available now that enable students to take courses and certifications that will lead them to industry recognized certifications and entry level jobs, internships and apprenticeships. Students deserve opportunities beyond what is often feasible for each district and this session will discuss federal initiatives that help students throughout the country. The convergence of industry partnerships and how federal funding will be discussed.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

11:00am PDT

Using Data to Improve Your District's CTE Course Catalog
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
CSTA Washington has launched public dashboards and reports to help districts analyze their CTE enrollments by career cluster, gender, race, income, ELL, and disability status. Attendees will learn to interpret this data to understand local enrollment trends and compare their performance against statewide, ESD, and peer district averages. Attendees will also learn to use these data dashboards and reports to identify participation gaps and drive data-informed program improvements to CTE course catalogs.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 3

11:00am PDT

Video Game Design - A STEM class that attracts non-stem students
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Come learn about this engaging class where students learn the design process for making a video game.  This is a STEM class that is not all about programming.  This is a great class for an Entrepreneurship Teacher to teach because students essentially prepare a modified pitch-deck for a game they would like to make.  This class is perfect for the gamer who has never programmed.  I think I can teach anything and I think you can, too!  Come check it out and see if this class would work for you and your students.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #11 Second Floor Davenport Grand

11:30am PDT

WA-CCER Board Meeting and Awards Luncheon
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Conduct WA-CCER annual summer conference board meeting and awards presentations during a group lunch. 
Speakers
avatar for Nora Zollweg

Nora Zollweg

Student Services Coordinator, Bremerton School District
Career Counseling and Employment Readiness professionals
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
TBA

12:00pm PDT

Lunch
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
TBA

12:00pm PDT

HSCTE Business Lunch
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
HSCTE members please join us for the HSCTE Business Lunch Meeting.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

12:00pm PDT

WA-FACSE Awards Luncheon
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Awards Luncheon
Speakers
CM

Cassie Mueller

WA-FACS members
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom

12:00pm PDT

Summer WE-BAM Members Meeting
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Educators of Business and Marketing!  Join us for a Luncheon meeting to talk about the 2025-26 year and plan for the 2026-27 school year.  New officer positions available!
Speakers
MM

Melissa Mayer

WE-BAM, Educators in Business and Marketing
Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
TBA

2:00pm PDT

Building a Careers in Education Pathway: From Classroom to College Credit
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
This session offers a practical, experience-based look at designing and sustaining a Careers in Education (Teaching Academy) course within a public high school setting. The presentation walks through the essential components of creating an engaging and sustainable program that prepares students for future roles in education.Attendees will explore how to structure a semester-long course that blends  teaching theory with hands-on experience. Key topics include building a relevant and student-centered curriculum, aligning with state CTE standards, and scaffolding skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, and professionalism.One focus of the session will be establishing meaningful partnerships with higher education institutions, including how to collaborate with Central Washington University to offer dual credit opportunities. Personal experience will be shared on navigating articulation agreements, aligning coursework with college expectations, and supporting students through the credit-earning process.The presentation will cover how to develop and manage student practicums. This includes strategies for placing students in elementary and intermediate school classrooms, coordinating with mentor teachers, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that field experiences are both structured and impactful.In addition, participants will gain insight into common challenges and proven strategies through a candid discussion of “dos and don’ts.” Topics include recruitment for the class, managing logistics, building strong school partnerships, and avoiding pitfalls such as inconsistent placements or unclear communication with stakeholders.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4

2:00pm PDT

Getting to Know Your Students and Their WHY: With the Help of AI
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Help students go from apathy to passion. Help students identify their WHY to give PURPOSE to their WHAT. “When you know your WHY, your WHAT becomes more impactful because you’re walking towards or in your PURPOSE.” – Michael Jr. This content especially helps in project-based learning, where students need to know what they are doing and how to do it. Use AI tools to efficiently and effectively engage students and help them build their own learning experience. Essentially, do what Eric Belgau, one of our advisory members, stated best: “Know your lane, stay in it and drive fast.”
Speakers
avatar for Scott Le Duc

Scott Le Duc

CTE Arts and Technologies Instructor, Capital High School
Scott has taught creative and technical arts for over 30 years, supporting students of all abilities to develop creative voice and agency in a co‑authored classroom or “Scenius.” He guides filmmaking, game design, songwriting, and audio production workflows, and is a founding... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #12 Second Floor Davenport Grand

2:00pm PDT

How WBW builds mentorship and work based learning into the school year, and how you can too
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Career connected experiential learning sounds great in theory, but it gets complicated quickly: How do you recruit busy professionals? How do you structure the experience so students stay engaged and hit your learning objectives? And how do you make sure your business professionals leave feeling like it was worth their time?For 50 years, Washington Business Week (WBW), founded through a partnership between CWU, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Association of Washington Business, has been answering exactly these questions. Today, WBW helps schools and districts bring 21st century skills to the classroom during the school year through its project based curriculum.In this presentation, you'll learn some of the techniques WBW has used to attract professionals to mentor students, workshop and activity ideas, and learn how you can implement WBW at your school or district, or provide supplemental learning options for students.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #11 Second Floor Davenport Grand

2:00pm PDT

Synergizing Success: A Deeper Dive Into Academic Integration
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
It is time for CTE and academic subject teachers to stop working in silos and start collaborating to help students. Creating links between academic courses and CTE is the most effective way to create a school-wide curriculum that equips students for a demanding world after high school. All parties involved in schooling benefit from teaching for both academic rigor and CTE relevance. Students perform better, gain certifications and adjust to evolving careers and/or post-secondary education. There are numerous ways for educators to collaborate and build relationships. The optimal collaboration model prepares high school leaders to link academics and the mastery of technological skills.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

2:00pm PDT

Targeted by Design: Using SchooLinks to Build Intentional Work-Based Learning Programs
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
How do you connect the best students to work-based learning opportunities that actually align with their goals? In this live SchooLinks demo, Spokane Public School’s CTE coordinator shares how she uses SchooLinks reporting & filters, career assessment data, and eligibility criteria to intentionally match students to exploratory and preparatory opportunities inside of their district. Both SchooLinks core platform and the WBL suite will be showcased.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 5

2:00pm PDT

Teacher-Parent Toolbelt: EdTech Hacks for Life & Learning
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Teaching and parenting often feel like juggling with fire, and then someone throws in a Chromebook! In this interactive session, explore the real-life challenges and hidden superpowers of being both an educator and a parent. Drawing on 20 years in education as a teacher, coach, and facilitator, and 12 years as a mom of three, I’ll share my “Teacher-Mom (Parent) Toolbelt,” a collection of strategies, reflections, and tech hacks that have helped me navigate teaching, leadership, graduate school, and life at home. Participants will discover practical, ready-to-implement tools for managing time, energy, and communication across school and home. We will explore tech hacks like digital organization shortcuts, time-blocking strategies, and simple routines that save time and energy. Leave with a personalized toolbelt of resources, reflective prompts for ongoing growth, and strategies you can use tomorrow to bring a little more joy and balance to your life.Learning outcome 1: Identify personal strengths and "superpowers" gained from being both an educator and a parent.Learning outcome 2: Identify practical strategies and tools to help streamline time management and reduce their mental load.Learning outcome 3: Create a personalized "Teacher-Parent Toolbelt" with actionable strategies and reflective prompts to support ongoing growth and well-being.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1

2:00pm PDT

The Safe-to-Fail Lab: Resilience over Perfection
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Cross-Curricular Seminar / Interactive Workshop In any CTE lab - from Welding to Culinary to Math - the fear of making a mistake kills innovation. This session teaches how to build a high-accountability, low-anxiety environment where students master the pivot when things go wrong and learn resiliency on the job..Key Points:The "Red Line" vs. The "Gray Zone": Distinguishing between non-negotiable safety rules (Red) and areas where experimentation and failure are encouraged (Gray).Grading the Recovery: Moving the focus from the final product to  a "recovery grade" - evaluating how a student diagnoses an error and adapts.Psychological Safety: Using "The Wall of First Tries" to normalize the learning curve and reduce Perfectionism Paralysis. Let students show off their failures as growth points and achievements. Designed Micro-Failures: Intentionally creating low-stakes scenarios where things go wrong so students can practice problem-solving in real-time.Takeaway: A Recovery Rubric and a toolkit of Growth Mindset scripts to replace high-pressure lab language.A more focused culinary approach: Safe, Not Perfect: Safety in the KitchenInteractive Seminar / Peer DiscussionIf students are terrified of making a mistake, they’ll never take the risks needed to become great cooks. How do we balance industry standards with the learning environment?Key Points:The Clean Mess Concept: Distinguishing between a messy workstation/community paces (fixable) and an unsafe practice (non-negotiable).Celebrating the "Fail": Sharing stories of the burnt roux and what it taught the class about heat management.Standardized Rubrics: Using rubrics that grade the process and safety more heavily than the final aesthetic of the plate.Takeaway: A "Kitchen Culture" manifesto and a set of non-punitive correction techniques.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Maple Ballroom

2:00pm PDT

WCTSMA: Navigating the CTSO
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
We will navigate the processes of the CTSO for advisors and administrators both. How to start a chapter. How to register your chapter. How to participate in the CTSO events. Competition categories and scoring. Awards and scholarships available. We will answer questions you have regarding WCTSMA.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

2:00pm PDT

Understanding Federal Child Labor Student Learner Laws and Requirements
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
This training provides an overview of the essential requirements outlined in federal labor laws as they pertain to student learner programs. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the legal framework governing these programs, including specific guidelines on permitted and prohibited practices.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3

2:00pm PDT

Beyond the Classroom: The Power of the Simulated Workplace Model
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Bring your classroom to life through the Simulated Workplace Model. In this engaging session, learn how CTE programs are transforming instruction by embedding authentic workplace expectations, student leadership, and industry-aligned practices into everyday learning. Participants will explore practical implementation strategies, hear real classroom examples, and leave with tools to strengthen student engagement, expand equitable access to work-based learning experiences, and improve career readiness outcomes across programs.
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
TBA

3:00pm PDT

The Coaching Academy: Building a Careers in Education Course for Coaches
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session provides a practical, experience-based guide to designing and implementing a Coaching Academy course within a public high school setting., the presentation focuses on creating a dynamic program that prepares students for future roles in coaching, leadership, and sports management.Participants will explore how to structure a semester course that blends foundational coaching theory with real-world application. The session will highlight key curriculum components such as leadership development, communication skills, practice planning, sports psychology basics, ethics in coaching, and injury prevention. Emphasis will be placed on helping students understand the “why” behind effective coaching, not just the “how.”The session will also address how to build a sustainable program within the school system working collaboratively with athletic departments, and creating opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within their school community. And, how to utilize industry certifications to help build coaching knowledge. In addition, participants will benefit from a candid discussion of “dos and don’ts” when running a Coaching Academy. Topics include maintaining professionalism in student placements, avoiding liability issues, ensuring equitable opportunities across sports, and setting clear boundaries between student coaches and athletes.The presentation will conclude with an interactive “group think” segment, allowing attendees to collaborate, share ideas, and troubleshoot real-world challenges. A dedicated Q&A portion will provide time for participants to ask questions and walk away with actionable strategies tailored to their own programs.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4

3:00pm PDT

Effect of vocational retraining alignment on injured workers’ motivation and well-being, and its application to Career and Technical Education in Washington State
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
This session explores the impact of choice in vocational retraining on the motivation and well-being of injured workers who are forced to switch careers due to a workplace injury. Research conducted on the subject will be presented along with the findings. The results and data will then be generalized to what role choice can have in the motivation and well-being of students with Washington state Career and Technical Education programs, and how this consideration can be used in future curriculum and program planning.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1

3:00pm PDT

Financial Literacy FUNdamentals: Free Resources to Engage Students
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Financial literacy lessons don’t have to be dry and boring—discover the Fed’s free interactive resources for personal finance, including hands-on lessons, videos and online modules, podcasts, infographics and more. Participate in two hands-on lessons on entrepreneurship and saving and investing and learn where to access free curricula for teaching financial literacy topics. All attendees will receive a set of ten personal finance infographic posters.
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand

3:00pm PDT

Future‑Ready STEM Starts Here: Why PLTW Leads the Way
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Collaborate and learn why Project Lead The Way remains the top choice for engaging students in STEM through engineering, biomedical science, and computer science pathways. Explore new courses—Advanced Manufacturing, Building for the Future & Skilled Trades, and Principles of AI. Discover how PLTW prepares students with industry credentials and college credit opportunities. Hear from WA PLTW teachers and CTE Directors and learn about grants to launch or expand programs. Let’s build future‑ready STEM pathways that actually stick!
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 6

3:00pm PDT

Not Another AI Demo: The Skills Your Students Actually Need in an AI World
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
It's 2026. You've been to workshops filled with AI demos, you've used a Claude to revise a lesson plan or given your students an assignment to build AI skills. It still doesn't feel like we're preparing our students for the world of AI that they're graduating into, even if ChatGPT keeps telling you your is plans are "absolutely right!"In this workshop you'll move past the 101 level skills and into the 200 level AI skills that you can use and teach your students:A working understanding of prompt engineering - how to get AI to actually do what you wantPractical knowledge of context windows - why AI "forgets" things and how to work around itExperience using artifacts and structured outputs to make AI tools genuinely useful in your classroomA clear-eyed look at the "future skills" experts keep citing and why CTE teachers are already better positioned to teach them than anyone else
Speakers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #11 Second Floor Davenport Grand
 
WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
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